Smart City Solutions (SCS) says it is prepared to meet with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the National Commission on Disability (NCD) following concerns about parking meters in the vicinity of some public schools in the city and on pavements which may obstruct the free movement of persons with disabilities, and particularly of persons who are blind.

A statement from SCS noted that the company has not been approached by either of these organizations but is willing to meet with those affected in order to effectively address the concerns.

“SCS has spoken with and invited the NCD to meet with us and looks forward to holding a constructive discussion with the NCD to ensure that the placement of the meters conform to internationally accepted standards and practice while taking into account prevailing local conditions in order to minimize any impact on the free movement of persons with disabilities, in particular, persons who are blind. SCS is committed to doing so as soon as may be practicable for the NCD,” the statement noted.

As it relates to concerns raised by the GTU, the company pointed out that special arrangements such as parking permits for teachers and specific parking regulations in school areas are, in fact, consistent with international practice.

“In the case raised by the Teachers Union, SCS stands ready to examine a customized solution, as has been done with other organizations and institutions with whom SCS have been engaged.”

According to the statement, “We should point out that, at present, given the unregulated parking in the city; teachers have no choice but to compete with all other motorists searching for space to park even in front of their own schools. SCS is willing to consider, for instance, granting Parking Permits on application for spaces exclusive to teachers during prescribed times which would regulate those spaces on behalf of the Permit holders, thus guaranteeing them preferential access to parking in proximity to their schools.”

Smart City Solutions was contracted by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to implement a state-of-the-art, efficient street metered parking platform to address the growing traffic congestion in Georgetown.

President of the GTU, Mark Lyte had told this newspaper that the union does not and will not support any adjustment to the parking meter fee for teachers. The rate announced is $50 for 15 minutes and is expected to take effect from January 23.

What this means is that teachers will be required to pay approximately $1,250 per day or $25,000 per month for parking, since the meters have been installed around some schools in Georgetown. And according to Lyte, the union is strongly against this move, since it places a great burden on teachers. This newspaper spoke to two teachers from the Bishops’ High School, where parking meters have been installed, and both objected to the move which they too contended, would be “burdensome.”